Amosun suspends LG boss, 11 others over alleged fraud

By DAUD OLATUNJI

ABEOKUTA— Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has sacked  the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr. Dare Ogunde and 11 others for alleged financial mismanagement.

Vanguard gathered that, the crisis which consumed all the elected officers of the Council had been on for about two weeks over a financial  deal between the leader of the legislative arm and the Chairman.

This development,according to Vanguard’s findings led to the removal of the leader by other councilors before it snowballed to the suspension of all the elected officers.

Although, the government did not state the offence of the suspended council officers, the governor in a tersed statement sent to newsmen, said he was exercising his” power under Sections 39 and 43 of the Ogun State Local Government Law”.

The governor who announced the suspension of the council, through the Secretary to State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, said all of them remain suspended for 90 days.

The statement read: “In exercise of his   powers under Sections 39 and 43 of the Ogun State Local Government Law, the governor has approved the suspension of the Executive and Legislative arms of the Ijebu East Local Government Council for a period of 90 days in the first instance.

“During the period of suspension, the Head of the Local Government Administration (HOLGA) will administer the Council pending further directives and the outcome of the inquiry into the affairs of the local government as ordered by the Governor.

“The suspended Chairman, his deputy, all Councillors and political appointees  have been directed to stay away from the Council premises and affairs of Government during the period of suspension.

“ The Panel of Inquiry consists Chief Wole Adesiji (Chairman), Mrs Ayoola Afolabi (member), Mr Bayo Adeyemi (member) and.Barr. James Kolawole Omotosho of the Ministry of Justice (Secretary).The panel members  are to submit their reports within 14 days.